How to Upgrade the Expandable Storage in a PlayStation 5

Written By: Robert Boyd

Comments: 15

How to Upgrade the Expandable Storage in a PlayStation 5

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

5 - 15 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to add expandable SSD storage to your PlayStation 5.

Before starting this guide, make sure that your M. 2 blade SSD is compatible with Sony’s specifications. The SSD blade seen in the photos is not suitable for the expandable storage slot in the PlayStation 5.

Also, make sure that you have updated your PlayStation has been updated with the latest system software.

Before you begin, completely power down and unplug all cables from your console. Remember to follow general electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety procedures while repairing the console.

Tools

Parts

PlayStation 5 Storage Upgrade Kit

Step 1

If your PlayStation 5 is in its vertical orientation, flip it upside down so the stand is facing up.
If your PlayStation 5 is in its horizontal orientation, skip to Step 6.
Work on a flat surface to prevent your PlayStation from falling over.
Use a coin or a flathead screwdriver to remove the 26.5 mm-long stand screw.

Step 2

Lift straight up to remove the stand.

Step 3

Insert the screw into the cubby on the bottom of the stand.

Step 4

Use a pair of tweezers or your fingernail to remove the cap from the cubby.
Use your finger to press the cap into the screw hole.

Step 5

Twist the stand counterclockwise to close the cubby.

Step 6

If your PlayStation 5 is in its horizontal orientation, rest it on its face with the charging port facing up.
Lift the stand straight up to remove it.

Do you guys sell the stand

Corey Lewis -

Steps 1 through 6 are just about removing the stand, correct? Storing the screw and all that is just about being neat and tidy?

tofu -

Step 7

Flip the device over so that the USB and ethernet ports are on the left side from your perspective.
Lift up the corner of the faceplate to unclip it from the case.

lift the corner on the top of the device on the back to unclip it

Nicole Best -

Step 8

While lifting up the corner, slide the faceplate towards the bottom of the device.
Remove the right faceplate.

Step 9

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 17 mm-long SSD cover screw.

Step 10

Use your finger to slide the SSD cover towards the top of the device to unclip it from the case.
Remove the SSD cover.

Step 11

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 11 mm-long SSD screw.

The screw in my PS5 was too tight and I can no longer get it off. Is there any replacement screws and spacers that anyone can recommend on Amazon UK? Many thanks in advance.

Kevin McCubbin -

what type of screw is this?

want to replace it because i stripped during the m.2 ssd installation.

Thx in advance

Simon -

I have the same problem and need a replacement for the screw and spacer.

Niel Harder -

I need to find a new screw and spacer because when I got it it was stripped already Brand new

Zane -

Step 12

Use a pair of tweezers to lift and move the spacer to the appropriate slot for your chosen M.2 SSD.
Do not attempt to install the SSD without the spacer in the proper location.

What are the physical dimensions of the spacer and the screw (saw the screw is 11mm, wondering the thread size and length of the threaded portion)? Looking to buy replacements online from someone other than from Sony.

I sent my PS5 back for RMA service for visual artifacts, and it was returned to me without the screw and spacer (I had checked before sending it that the hardware was there). Seems silly to have to send the console back for replace these components, but every time I’ve called technical support - I’ve been on over hour-long wait times (haven’t gotten through to an agent yet).

Michael Meyer -

Step 13

If your SSD will benefit from a heat sink, follow this guide to install one.
Insert your SSD at a shallow angle into the M.2 socket.
Both the SSD and M.2 socket are keyed, which means the SSD only fits one way into the socket.
It is normal for the SSD to rest at an angle once it has been inserted into the M.2 socket.

It should be noted here that the Samsung 970 Evo Plus is NOT a PCIE 4.0 SSD (It is NOT fast enough for the PS5)

Rowan -

Yes! Thank you, Rowan. I added a blurb addressing that in the introduction.

Robert Boyd -

Step 14

Use your finger to press the SSD down until the end sits atop the spacer.
With the SSD on the spacer, insert the SSD screw through the spacer and screw it into place, securing the end of the SSD.

Step 15

Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the 11 mm-long screw to the end of the SSD.
Do not overtighten this screw. Doing so may damage the SSD.

Forgot one last step:

- Re-attach the SSD slot cover, as per Sony's instructions: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/suppor...

Andrei Bunceanu -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our PlayStation 5 Answers community for help.

Author

Robert Boyd

Member since: 01/02/21

28660 Reputation

4 comments

Hello!

The 11m screw that keeps the SSD in place is totally stripped -- any tips for how to remove it? I've tried the rubber band and duct tape over the screw methods, with no luck.

Michael Deneen -

Se puede cortar para extraerlo con un 🪛 plano

silentdark96 -

Very well detailed, thank you!

wakey18 -

Follow the English language repair guide.

The Dutch translation needs an update.

aoosten - 04/08/23